NEWS STORIES

APRIL 2014

The National Corn Growers Association welcomes Dr. Nick Goeser who joins the organization as Manager of Soil Health and Sustainability. Goeser, a multi-faceted scientists and educator, brings nearly a decade of experience in the agricultural industry and academic research to the position. “Nick is an incredibly valuable addition to our team, and we are excited utilizing his deep knowledge of agronomy and field research to our new Soil Health …

Kristin Meadors with the Kentucky Distillers Association will deliver the keynote address at the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Utilization and Technology Conference, taking place June 2 in Louisville, Kentucky. “The bourbon industry’s iconic utilization of corn makes it a perfect platform in which to kick-off three days of lively discussions among the corn industry’s leading researchers, processors and business representatives,” said NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team …

The National Corn Growers Association now offers its fourth season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities. Today, Field Notes caught up …

As many parents prepare to send their children to school in the fall, members of the National Corn Growers Association can save when purchasing electronic tools and gifts. By using the benefits NCGA offers, members can purchase Dell products at a significant discount. “In today’s world, technology is essential to success in school and the workplace,” said Tom Haag, chairman of NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team. “Discounts on Dell …

The Fuels America coalition today released an economic impact study by John Dunham & Associates showing the far-reaching benefits of renewable fuels for America’s workers and the U.S. economy. Renewable fuels now represent nearly 10% of America’s fuel supply and have helped reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil to the lowest level in years. The analysis takes into account the entire supply chain for renewable fuels and quantifies the …

Special previews of the new documentary FARMLAND, produced by Academy Award-winning director James Moll, are taking place in special venues and film festivals around the country as the May 1 public premiere kicks off in more than 100 communities across the United States. The documentary was produced with the generous support of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), of which the National Corn Growers Association is a founding …

Amid a growing chorus of critics, representatives of two federal agencies have severely questioned the results of a study that purports to tally the greenhouse gas emissions of using corn stover for ethanol production. In response to the study, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released this statement: “This paper is based on a hypothetical assumption that 100 percent of corn stover in a field is harvested; an extremely unlikely …

The fifth of a six-video miniseries debuts today at the National Corn Growers Association’s YouTube page, sharing how and why supporting ag research is important to our nation’s corn farmers. “What we try to do is develop and enhance research, and then take that research and move it into the business community,” said Tom Mueller, chairman of NCGA’s Research and Business Development Action Team, who spotlighted the upcoming

The National Corn Growers Association hosted German Farmers Union Dairy Unit Head Dr. Simon Schlueter and German agricultural news specialist Rudi-Michael Wienecke today for discussions on the interaction between industry, government and farmers in the United States. In addition to the broader overall discussion, NCGA staff answered policy questions related to U.S. farm policy, ethanol and transportation. “As always, we are glad to welcome international visitors interested in …

In celebration of Earth Day 2014, American Ethanol is offering a chance to win an iconic, authentic NASCAR™ Green flag used in a race! Just click here and register today to be entered in the drawing. To join in NASCAR and American Ethanol’s celebration of Earth Day, include #NASCARGREEN in your tweets or visit NASCAR.com. “Earth Day turns people attention to the environment, and it only …

Fuels America coalition members, including the National Corn Growers Association, today announced the launch of the “Oil Rigged” television and digital ad campaign and OilRigged.com to expose the many ways the oil industry is rigging the system to protect their profits and block the transition to clean, American renewable fuels. The campaign begins today with the launch of OilRigged.com, at least two weeks of ads on cable stations …

The National Corn Growers Association now offers its fourth season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities. Today, Field Notes caught up …

U.S. corn sales and shipments to the Middle East and North Africa have rebounded sharply in the 2013-14 marketing year following two consecutive years of low market. From the beginning of the marketing year through April 10, outstanding sales and accumulated exports of U.S. corn to North Africa and the Middle East are approximately 112 million bushels, up from eight million bushels the previous year over the same time period …

Corn planting delays persisted across much of the country according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With only six percent of total corn acres planted by April 20, progress lags behind the five-year average for this point by eight percentage points, an increase of five percentage points from last week. While planting has not kept up with the five-year average to date, it has progressed …

The National Corn Growers Association now offers its fourth season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities. Today, Field Notes caught up …

Today, CommonGround volunteers Katie Sawyer and Pam Selz-Pralle took the story of American farming, their story, to people across the country through a series of radio interviews. Discussing why Earth Day is every day for U.S. farmers, Sawyer and Selz-Pralle shared the exciting story of American agriculture’s tradition of sustainability and stewardship. “Earth Day shines a public spotlight on agriculture's careful stewardship of our natural resources. Farmers and ranchers …

Just in time for Earth Day next week, the fourth episode of a six-video miniseries debuts today at the National Corn Growers Association’s YouTube page, sharing some of the efforts the organization and its corn growers undertake to promote conservation and sustainability. “To feed an ever-growing population, we have to increase yield and production,” said Don Glenn, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team and a …

As summer quickly approaches, members of the National Corn Growers Association can save when purchasing supplies for themselves and all of the outdoors enthusiasts in their lives. By using the benefits NCGA offers, members can purchase Cabela’s gift cards at a 10 percent discount. “We always look for benefits that match the interests of our growers, and this partnership is perfect for their active outdoor lifestyle,” said Tom Haag, …

A cool, wet spring has delayed planting progress across much of the country according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With only three percent of total corn acres planted by April 14, progress lags behind the five-year average for this point by three percentage points. While planting has not kept up with the five-year average to date, it has progressed one percentage point ahead of …

By National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre It is easy to argue against something, playing upon common fears and perpetuating misconceptions. Time and time again, arguments based in far-fetched possibilities slow our progress toward a future based in science and progress. The most contrarian amongst us holds back society like a brutish bully pushing down anyone who dare point out his fallacies or flaws. In the world of agriculture, …

The National Corn Growers Association now offers its fourth season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities. Today, Field Notes caught up …

This summer vacation, members of the National Corn Growers Association can save on travel expenses by using discounts available exclusively through NCGA. Through partnerships with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the exclusive NCGA Worldwide Hotel Discount Program, NCGA offers members valuable savings on car rentals and hotel bookings whether they travel across the country or even to many locations around the world. “NCGA works hard to increase opportunities for farmers in …

The National Corn Growers Association announced its support for legislation introduced in a press conference today that would establish a federal standard for the safety and labeling of food and beverage products made with genetically modified ingredients. “The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act provides certainty for both consumers and farmers alike by creating a unified, science-based approach to labeling and eliminating potential risks and costs posed by an …

The third video in a six-part miniseries debuts today at the National Corn Growers Association’s YouTube page, talking about how the organization strives to build leaders among its farmers, and the importance of leadership to a healthy organization and industry. “After World War II, there were 40 percent of 50 percent of the nation farming,” noted Tom Haag, chairman of NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team. “We’re down to less …

At a hearing today of the Senate Ag Committee on the importance of renewable fuels, NASCAR team owner Richard Childress was one of several voices to talk about the many benefits of corn-based biofuels, such as the higher fuel performance he has seen in more than five million miles of racing since the E15 ethanol blend was introduced in the 2011 racing season. “I think expanding and growing our …

The application deadline looms for two leadership training programs with the National Corn Growers Association. Leadership Academy applications are due Friday, April 11, to the NCGA office and Advanced Leadership applications are due Friday, April 25. Growers must be nominated by their state corn association to participate in either of these leadership training programs sponsored by Syngenta. Click here for a directory of state organizations. “Since it began …

The U.S. Grains Council, of which the National Corn Growers Association is a founding member, has released the 2013/2014 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report. The Export Quality Report measures the quality of U.S. corn sampled at the point of loading for export, thus providing valuable information to buyers and other stakeholders around the world. "There is always some variability year-to-year and by region," Sleight said. "This year, …

The National Corn Growers Association now offers its fourth season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities. Today, Field Notes met Mark …

As farmers across the country prepare for planting, the National Corn Growers Association announces updates to the rules for the 2014 National Corn Yield Contest. In addition to moving to a solely online entry platform, contest rules have been revised to further ensure contest integrity while also accommodating for technological advances to make participation easier. “For many years now, the farmers entering the contest have continually adapted their methods …

The National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers that early refuge planning helps ensure a smooth planting season. To aid in these efforts, NCGA released an updated Insect Resistance Management Calculator that includes information relevant to this year’s packages. “Refuge planning is important for all farmers because it supports the continued viability of important tools,” said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Jim Zimmermann. “While seed companies work …

At the request of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, the Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership Foundation has established a public-private partnership to enhance research on sustainable soil health for multiple land uses in agriculture. The National Corn Growers Association has joined USDA and ATIP along with four other founding partners of the Resilient Economic Agricultural Practices public-private partnership to support and strengthen soil health …

With rapidly shifting weather across the country, farmers have to work extra hard to stay updated on what to expect while they prepare for planting. The NCGA-FMC Ag Weather Advisor, prepared by Blue Water Outlook, is a free benefit for members that can help them stay a step ahead. “The NCGA-FMC Ag Weather Advisor provides valuable insight, analysis and information not easily found elsewhere on the key factors shaping …

The second video in a six-part miniseries debuts today at the National Corn Growers Association’s YouTube page, talking about the importance of biotechnology to corn farmers as they seek ways to help feed and fuel a growing world population. “By the year 2050, we will need to have doubled our output for the food supply,” said Jim Zimmerman, chairman of NCGA’s Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team. “We know …

National Corn Growers Association membership climbed to even higher heights setting yet another membership record at the end of March, with 40,793 active members on the rolls. This membership record replaces the former record, of 40,287, set in February of 2014. “We’re thrilled to set yet another membership record at a time when the average membership in trade associations like ours is flat or declining,” said NCGA President Martin …

During the month of April, the National Corn Growers Association will join NASCAR® in kicking off its second year of the NASCAR Race to Green Campaign. The campaign is intended to highlight the environmental accomplishments of green programs put in place by NASCAR and its partners like American Ethanol. The goal of NASCAR Race to Green is to highlight the accomplishments of NASCAR Green™ programs like the move three …

The National Corn Growers Association is pleased to co-sponsor “Focus on Corn,” a webcast training resource located on the Plant Management Network, a nonprofit online portal managed by the American Phytopathological Society in partnership with more than 80 organizations, including universities, nonprofits, and companies. The Plant Management Network’s mission is to enhance the health, management, and production of corn crops through its quality, science-based resources, and the Focus on Corn …